Bringing voice to the writings on my heart

Next Steps

Last week Brandon and I made a decision that was a huge step for our family. Over the past few months, we have been praying about Brandon quitting his full time job and raising support for him to work at our church. After going back and forth God opened some doors and we decided to take a step of faith. Brandon put in his 2 week notice and we have begun the process of raising support.

I am so proud of Brandon for taking a step of faith and I am so excited for this next season, but with two children, a house, a car payment and the fact that he is the main provider for our family, I can’t help but look into our situation with some uncertainty (and maybe a little fear).

In my heart I know this is the next step for our family. I know this is where God has us. The hardest part about this transition is that I can’t see how this is all going to work. I am a planner. I like to know the plan of action and how everything is going to play out. I find it hard to put my fear aside when I can’t see road. I have actually found myself making my own plan. What I think this should all look like and how we are going to make everything work. The truth is that no matter how much I plan, God’s plan is always greater. He will always make a way when it seems like there is no way.

I am reminded of the story where God parts the Red Sea for the Israelites to cross. You can read it in Exodus 14 but I will give you the short version. God leads the Israelites to a place where they are trapped between the Red Sea and a mountain. They are being chased by Pharaoh and all his chariots and they are out to kill the Israelites. They are stuck between a rock and hard place (literally). The Israelites start to fear for their lives and begin to question God’s plan. They panic and wonder why God would lead them here to die. Through all of this panic and chaos, Moses takes a stand and speaks.

But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. THE LORD HIMSELF WILL FIGHT FOR YOU. JUST STAY CALM.” – Exodus 14:13-14

In the end, God made a way. He parted the Red Sea and the Israelites crossed through the sea on dry ground. God wiped away the Egyptians and the Israelites won the battle without even fighting.

I don’t know where this transition is leading. I don’t know how it’s all going to work out but I do know the One who does. God knows. As we begin this new journey, I am learning to trust God to make a way. I am believing that the same God who parted the Red Sea is still at work in my life. I am ready to do nothing. I am ready to stand still and watch as God unfolds a new chapter in my story. Nothing is impossible for Him. I am learning to trust that God’s plans are far greater than anything I could ever come up with. That my fears are not greater than my God. He has set the path before me and now He is asking, “Will you let me lead you, even when you don’t know?”. I know it’s not going to be easy but I know it’s going to be worth every step.

During Glady’s harrowing journey out of war-torn Yancheng… she grappled with despair as never before. After passing a sleepless night, she faced the morning with no hope of reaching safety. A thirteen-year-old girl in the group reminded her of their much loved story of Moses and the Israelites crossing the Red Sea.

“But I am not Moses,” Gladys cried in desperation.

“Of course your aren’t,” the girl said, “but Jehovah is still God!”

– From the book The Hidden Price of Greatness by Ray Beeson and Ranelda Mack Hunsicker